Mendocino Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

North Coast California
North Coast California
North Coast California
Mendocino Headlands State Park showing general coastal views and rugged coastline
North Coast California

Discover Northern California’s captivating Pacific Coast, where prairie and pinewoods meet secret coves, windswept dunes, heritage landmarks and cosy communities.

The Mendocino Coast stretches nearly 90 miles (145 kilometers) along the country’s western seaboard, encompassing diverse terrain and laid-back seaside towns. Marvel at nature as you explore the varied coastline, checking out beaches, state parks and historic sights. See Victorian-era architecture in historic towns and savor the region’s wines.

The town of MendocinoOpens in a new window is a designated California historical landmark. Admire the preserved architecture of the 19th-century cottages huddled on the magnificent headland. Find art galleries, theaters and museums in this cozy town. The western edge of the town is bordered by Mendocino Headlands State ParkOpens in a new window, with an array of hiking trails and fantastic viewpoints for looking out over the idyllic town and the coast. Visit between fall and spring for the best chance of seeing gray whales migrating offshore.

Fort BraggOpens in a new window is a charming fishing port with a picturesque waterfront. View the ocean from a chartered boat tour or seaside restaurant. Jump aboard the Skunk Train to ride through the redwood forests. A short distance south of town, the gorgeous Mendocino Coast Botanical GardensOpens in a new window feature a collection of native plants and exotic species.

Glass BeachOpens in a new window lies north of Fort Bragg. Stroll along the beach and search for multi-colored sea glass sparkling on the shore. Between 1906 and 1967, the city’s waste was pushed off the surrounding headlands. Eventually the glass returned to the shores as weathered rubble.

Visit Little River for the town’s beach access and take a kayaking or diving trip. The adjoining Van Damme State Park is a great spot to see the intriguing forests of ancient pygmy trees. Nutrient-poor coastal soils have caused most trees to grow only as high as a person’s waist. See this phenomenon at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve too.

The Mendocino Coast is located on California’s northern coast. The town of Mendocino is about 175 miles (280 kilometers) from San Francisco International Airport. Rent a car or reach the region via public transit.

Find a world of wonder on the Mendocino Coast.

Harbor Lite Lodge

Harbor Lite Lodge

2.5 out of 5
120 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA
The price is AU$291 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$291
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach motel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, a conference center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,276 reviews)
"Loved our first stay at the Harbor Lite Lodge. The area is quiet and peaceful. The room was clean and the bed very comfortable. My husband and I already booked our next stay. The Harbor Lite Lodge is definitely a place we will frequently return to."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Harbor Lite Lodge
Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.

2 out of 5
763 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA
Stay at this hotel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,147 reviews)
"Not sound proof and air conditioning is not great. We had it around 65° but barely cold"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.
The Beach House Inn

The Beach House Inn

2.5 out of 5
100 Pudding Creek Rd, Fort Bragg, CA
The price is AU$221 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$221
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,100 reviews)
"Front desk staff was very friendly, clean room, comfortable bed. Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

The Beach House Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mendo Bungalow

Mendo Bungalow

3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
"Very quiet, very friendly, comfortable bed. Plenty of outlets. Surprised by little things - blemishes on walls and poor paint job in bathroom. No fan in bathroom. Small shower but nice bath. Roads in and out of Mendocino VERY TWISTY!!!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Mendo Bungalow
Cottages at Little River Cove

Cottages at Little River Cove

3 out of 5
7533 California 1, Little River, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Little River. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Van Damme State Park and Big River are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"What an amazing find! Great layout so pretty much everyone gets a view - common area is perfect for beach gazing and sunsets. Check in process was easy and the staff very responsive and helpful. Make sure you have everything you might need because it’s not close to stores (I consider that a huge ..."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Cottages at Little River Cove
Sweetwater Inn and Spa

Sweetwater Inn and Spa

3.5 out of 5
44840 Main Street, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly cabin in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Kelley House Museum and Ford House ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
"We ate dinner at the Luna Trattoria next to the Sweetwater Inn. The meal and service were excellent. The bed was great. We also appreciated the free muffins left at our front door every morning."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Sweetwater Inn and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Mendocino Coast

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